Everyday Wellness: Midlife Hormones, Health, and Science for Women 35+

Today, I have the privilege of engaging in a fascinating and eye-opening conversation with Dr. Judy Morgan, a renowned figure in the field of veterinary care. As a certified veterinary acupuncturist, chiropractic owner, and food therapist, Dr. Morgan's expertise extends way beyond traditional allopathic medicine. Although she retired from clinical practice in 2020, her dedication to promoting exceptional veterinary care remains unwavering, both within the United States and abroad. In our discussion, we dive into the factors contributing to the declining health of our beloved pets, such as the alarming obesity rates affecting 60% of pets in the United States. We also explore the flaws within the pet food industry, including the significant influence of Mars Petcare, a conglomerate that has acquired a substantial portion of the processed food industry. Our conversation covers a myriad of topics, ranging from the distinctions between rendered and food-grade meat to the complexities surrounding grain-free diets. We touch on the contentious subject of vaccines, explain how to navigate between core and non-core vaccinations, and discuss specific concerns, such as lipomas, tooth care, exercise, and grooming. We also explore the best approaches to selecting flea and tick preventatives and the potential health implications of chemicals and plastics on our pets. As someone who once contemplated a career in veterinary medicine, it was a true delight to interview Dr. Morgan- especially considering my allergies prevented me from pursuing that path! I encourage you to explore her insightful books and online resources because I am confident you will find them invaluable. Join me in this enlightening discussion that will undoubtedly shed light on essential aspects of pet care and welfare!IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Why the health of our animals is declining. The difference between feed-grade and food-grade meat or food. How conglomerates are taking over the care of our pets- and not in a good way. Pet food that has Dr. Morgan’s stamp of approval. What to look out for when reading the list of ingredients on a bag of pet food. The longest chapter in Dr. Morgan’s brand new book, Raising Naturally Healthy Pets, is on vaccines. Dr. Morgan shares her recommendations for navigating flea and tick season. Dr. Morgan talks about lipomas. Why do you need to brush your dog’s teeth every day? The problem with ignoring dental disease. Why dogs and cats need to exercise every day. What to look out for if you have to have your pet’s anal glands cleaned out all the time. An entire chapter in Dr. Morgan’s new book is dedicated to finding a veterinarian who is right for you. Bio: Dr. Judy Morgan:Judy Morgan DVM, CVA, CVCP, CVFT is a certified veterinary acupuncturist, chiropractitioner, and food therapist. After 36 years, Dr. Morgan retired from clinical practice in 2020. She now focuses on empowering pet parents to provide longer, healthier lives for their pets through educational courses, seminars, blogs, and speaking engagements. Her e-commerce site, Naturally Healthy Pets, provides high-quality products to enrich the lives of animals. She is a best-selling author of four books and has appeared on CNN, PBS, ABC, CBS, NBC, and hundreds of radio shows and podcasts. Her goal is to change the lives of over ten million pets by teaching pet owners worldwide how to minimize the use of chemicals, vaccinations, and poor-quality processed food while using natural healing therapies.Connect with Cynthia ThurlowFollow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedInCheck out Cynthia’s websiteConnect with Dr. Judy MorganOn her websiteOn Facebook and InstagramThe American Holistic Veterinary Medical AssociationDr. Morgan’s books are available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or her website.

In a world where human sexuality often remains shrouded in silence and misinformation, I had the incredible opportunity to engage in a thought-provoking conversation with the esteemed Dr. Jolene Brighton! Renowned as a hormone expert, nutrition scientist, and thought leader in women's medicine, Dr. Brighton's expertise spans multiple disciplines, including naturopathic endocrinology and clinical sexology. With her recent book, Is This Normal, she offers a non-judgmental guide to achieving hormone balance, eliminating unwanted symptoms, and nurturing the sexual desire we all crave. In this enlightening discussion, we explore the cultural factors fueling ignorance around sexuality, the origins of hormone imbalances, the significant impact of lifestyle choices on our hormones, and the often-overlooked role of detoxification. We also delve into the profound implications of oral contraceptives and synthetic hormones on our health and intriguing topics such as PCOS, PMDD, and PMS. With so many questions to explore, this is the first in a series of two podcasts that promise to provide invaluable insights for women at every stage of life. Join me as we embark on this journey to unravel the mysteries of our bodies and empower ourselves with knowledge from Dr. Jolene Brighton's remarkable book, Is This Normal?.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How shame impacts the libido and sexuality of women. Why sex education should include the concept of consent. The impact of coming off oral contraceptives. Changing the narrative for all women. Why do women need more time to get aroused? The mind-body connection. How hormones and menopause influence women’s sexuality. Everything we do in our 20s and 30s affects our transition into perimenopause and beyond. How to avoid endocrine disruptors. Dr. Brighten discusses her 28-day detox program. Some important differentiators between PMS and PMDD. Bio: Dr. Jolene BrightenDr. Jolene Brighten is a hormone expert, nutrition scientist, and thought leader in women’s medicine. She is board certified in naturopathic endocrinology and trained in clinical sexology. Dr. Brighten is the author of Is This Normal, a non-judgemental guide to creating hormone balance, eliminating unwanted symptoms, and building the sexual desire you crave. A fierce patient advocate and completely dedicated to uncovering the root cause of hormonal imbalances, Dr. Brighten empowers women worldwide to take control of their health and their hormones through her website and social medical channels. Dr. Brighten is an international speaker, clinical educator, and medical advisor within the tech community.Connect with Cynthia ThurlowFollow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedInCheck out Cynthia’s websiteConnect with Dr. Jolene BrightenOn her websiteFind Dr. Brighton on social media: @Dr. Jolene BrightenOrder your copy of Is This NormalOrder Dr. Brighten’s digital cookbook 

Today I have the honor of connecting with Temple Stewart! She is a registered dietician specializing in low-carb dieting for women’s weight loss. I have spoken on the stage with Temple several times over the last year, and she is delightful! In this episode, she shares her background, and we dive into how she was able to reverse her PCOS and Hashimoto’s by adopting a low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet. We discuss food psychology, woke nutrition, whether or not “if it fits your macros” is a good philosophy, issues surrounding the traditional allopathic nutrition model, and challenges related to nutrition research. We also get into plateau busters and share five ways to measure success other than the scale. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How Temple transformed her life by using nutrition as medicine. Which foods tend to provoke inflammation in the thyroid gland in women? How people’s relationships with food play into the work Temple does. Temple shares her thoughts on woke nutrition. Temple dives into some of the big issues with the allopathic nutrition model. I share some interesting statistics related to American health. How creating consumer awareness will hopefully lead to consumers demanding more for their health regarding food supply and health care. Why is it so challenging to do nutritional research? Temple shares a starting point for addressing weight loss resistance. What carbohydrate reduction or restriction does for us metabolically. The benefits of following a carnivore diet. Why do we need to read food labels and become aware of where sugar may sneak into our diets? Temple shares her favorite ways to break plateaus. Five ways to measure success other than the scale.  Connect with Cynthia ThurlowFollow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedInCheck out Cynthia’s websiteConnect with Temple StewartOn Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Spotify (@the.ketogenic.nutritionist)The Ketogenic Nutritionist PodcastBooks mentioned:Metabolical, by Robert Lustig

Today I have the honor of connecting with Dr. Sharon Melnick!Dr. Sharon is a leading Executive Coach and Speaker in the area of resilience, power, and women’s leadership. She was intricately involved in research at Harvard Medical School and is a Marshall Goldsmith Top 100 Coach who has coached and trained at over 60 Fortune 500 organizations and numerous equity-owned and startup companies. She is the author of In Your Power.In today’s episode, Dr. Sharon shares her background, and we dive into trauma, intergenerational trauma, triggers, how to change a definition and narrative, how to distinguish between being in your power and feeling powerless, regaining a sense of control and confidence, the metaphor of the thermostat versus the thermometer, ways to align more closely with your power, strategies for dealing with intrusive people, and more.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Why do we tend to create unhealthy self-soothing behaviors to cope with the uncomfortable feelings associated with unhealed trauma? Dr. Sharon defines triggers. The power of reframing and changing the narratives of triggering situations. How to regain a sense of control when you are in an acutely emotional or reactive state. How to reconnect with yourself and regain your power after moving through difficult emotions. Dr. Sharon shares a technique for moving from being reactive to becoming intentional. What it means to be in your power, and how being in your power differs from having power. Dr. Sharon explains why she wrote her book. How our built-in protective mechanism prevents us from feeling good enough and taking control of our lives. How to become more resilient. How to re-establish your power and use it effectively. How to align with others and influence them to do as you ask.  How to stay in your power when your boundaries get disrespected, or when dealing with narcissistic people. Connect with Cynthia ThurlowFollow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedInCheck out Cynthia’s websiteConnect with Dr. Sharon MelnickDr. Sharon's WebsiteGet Dr. Sharon’s resources: www.inyourpowerbook.com

Today, I have the honor of connecting with Dr. Robynne Chutkan, one of the most recognizable gastroenterologists in the United States. She is also the author of Anti-Viral Gut, one of the books I enjoyed reading most in 2022!Knowledge of the microbiome dates back to the 1600s when Anthony van Leeuwenhoek observed bacteria in his dental plaque through a microscope. However, it has taken us several centuries to understand the interdependence and beneficial nature of those bacteria. The terms "microbiome" and "microbiota" are often used interchangeably. They refer to the organisms and genes that live in and on our bodies, predominantly in the GI tract. Those organisms include bacteria, viruses, protozoa, fungi, parasites, and archaea, which, despite their microscopic size, collectively weigh around four to five pounds. Today, Dr. Chutkan and I dive deep into the physiology of the microbiome and discuss how that interplays with immunology. We discuss the benefits of hydrochloric acid, the impact of proton pump inhibitors and other medications on the health of the gut microbiome, and the role of dysbiosis and the Estrobolome. We get into how the pharmaceutical industry has influenced both medical practice and the outlook of healthcare providers, and we talk about the impact of sleep, exercise, stress, and alcohol on the gut. Dr. Chutkan also shares top tips from her anti-viral diet book on the best ways to support the gut. (One of her tips is to consume 30 plant types per week for a healthier gut microbiome.) This show has been one of my favorite podcasts I have recorded in the last year. I hope you enjoy listening to it!IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: What is the microbiome, and why is it important? Why do we need to understand the interrelationship between the oral microbiome, the gut microbiome, and the vaginal microbiome? The importance of stomach acid. How do proton pump inhibitors affect gut health? The three big things that interfere with digestion. How pharmaceutical companies have taken over medical education. The role of statins in women. The importance of the Estrobolome test. The three different types of estrogens in the body. Why exercise is an important contributor to gut health. The net impact of low-quality sleep on immune function. Dr. Chutkan shares her top tips for a healthy gut microbiome. Connect with Cynthia ThurlowFollow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedInCheck out Cynthia’s websiteConnect with Dr. Robynne Chutkan On her website On Instagram (@gutbliss)Books by Dr. Robynne Chutkan:The Anti-Viral Gut: Tackling Pathogens from the Inside OutGutbliss: A 10-Day Plan to Ban Bloat, Flush Toxins, and Dump Your Digestive BaggageThe Bloat Cure: 101 Natural Solutions for Real and Lasting ReliefThe Microbiome Solution: A Radical New Way to Heal Your Body from the Inside OutBooks mentioned:Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams by Matthew Walker 

I am delighted to reconnect with Lance Essihos today! He was with me once before on Episode 69, back in 2018. Lance is a Canadian traveler who made it his life's mission to help heal the world through the art of powerful storytelling and human connection. He is the host of the top-rated podcast, University of Adversity, which I have been honored to be on twice.In his new book, Mastering Adversity, Lance explores the quest for personal growth, leveling up, and healing. He believes that true mastery is an ongoing process and there will always be new challenges at every level of growth. Writing the book was challenging, and he is grateful to have completed it. He found sharing his thoughts with the world- especially his family, a tough yet transformative experience. In this episode, Lance talks about his book and dives into the transformational experience of how adversity shaped his life. We discuss his craving for personal growth and meaning and get into how our internal narrative can influence how we perceive the world. We also speak about masculine and feminine energy, why we must embrace the history of trauma, and how doing that can be a powerful motivator for health and change.I truly hope you will gain from today’s discussion and enjoy listening to it as much as I did recording it!IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How adversity has impacted all of us.  How to deal with uncomfortable feelings. Why do most people get stuck in their stories? What is trauma, and how does it impact us? What makes us more vulnerable to trauma? Dealing with anxiety and addiction. How personal development work changes our relationships with others. Intermittent fasting in any aspect of life. Where does people-pleasing come from? Connect with Cynthia ThurlowFollow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedInCheck out Cynthia’s websiteConnect with Lance EssihosOn his websiteOn InstagramThe University of Adversity PodcastEpisode 69: Living a Life with Purpose and Impact with Lance EssihosBooks mentioned:Lance’s book, Mastering Adversity: Unlock the Warrior Within90 Seconds to a Life You Love: How to Master Your Difficult Feelings to Cultivate Lasting Confidence, Resilience, and Authenticity by Joan I. Rosenberg PhDHow to Do the Work: Recognize Your Patterns, Heal from Your Past, and Create Your Self by Dr. Nicole LePera

I am honored to reconnect with Dr. Will Cole today! The last time we connected was in 2021, on Episode 138. Dr. Cole is a leading functional medicine expert who specializes in clinically investigating underlying factors of chronic disease and customizing a functional medicine approach. He is the author of many books, including The New York Times bestseller Intuitive Fasting and most recently, Gut Feelings, a book I think everyone will benefit from reading. Today, Dr. Cole and I dive into the impetus for his latest book and discuss the toxic food culture, mixed messages, the psychology of food, finding peace with food, and how to reduce our toxic tribalism. We also talk about inflammatory foods and their impact on our gut microbiome, the role of the vagus nerve, how chronic stress is the ultimate junk food for the body, the effects of adverse childhood events and trauma, and what shame-flammation is.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Dr. Cole discusses his latest book, Gut Feelings. The role of mixed messages. What is most important in the wellness world? Types of foods that do not serve the best needs of our bodies. Is it the grain? Or is it what we have done to it? What are we feeding our bodies, and what are we eating in our hearts? How to differentiate between poor vagal tone and dysautonomia. Stress and how it impacts our biochemistry. How stress is implicated in many health problems. Re-negotiating your relationship with life. The role of trauma in weight loss. How shame can be the basis of many physical and emotional health issues. Bio- Dr. Will Cole:Dr. Will Cole is a leading functional medicine expert who specializes in clinically investigating underlying factors of chronic disease and customizing a functional medicine approach for thyroid issues, autoimmune conditions, hormonal imbalances, digestive disorders, and more. He is the host of The Art of Being Well podcast and author of Ketotarian, The Inflammation Spectrum, New York Times bestseller Intuitive Fasting, and now, Gut Feelings: Healing the Shame-Fueled Relationship Between What You Eat and How You Feel.Connect with Cynthia ThurlowFollow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedInCheck out Cynthia’s websiteConnect with Dr. Will ColeOn his websiteThe Art of Being Well PodcastGet a copy of Dr. Will Cole’s new book, Gut FeelingsEp. 138 – Our Authentic Intuition: What It Can Teach Us About Fasting with Dr. Will Cole

I’m delighted to have Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge back on the show again! She was with me before in Episode 174.Dr. Roseann is an incredible pediatric mental health expert who utilizes traditional and non-traditional modalities for her patient population. She joins me today to discuss the role of Myo-inositol from a mood and mental health perspective. We dive into what Myo-inositol does in the body, what depletes it, and how the gut and the brain connect with the vagus nerve. We talk about the mental health benefits of Myo-inositol and how it impacts mood disorders- specifically eating disorders and binge eating, as well as obsessive-compulsive disorder, stress and anxiety, panic attacks, and depression. We also get into Dr. Roseann’s unique ways of calming the autonomic nervous system and brain inflammation, the current medical model and its limitations, and the impact of trauma.I sincerely hope you enjoy listening to today’s interesting and informative conversation with Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge!IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: The benefits of Myo-inositol. The impact of having low magnesium in the body. How to protect yourself from the depletion of the microbiome. Why it is essential to listen to your body. The connection between the gut and the vagus nerve. How the magic in mental health is in the micro-changes. Where to start when helping a teenager or young adult struggling with OCD, anxiety, or depression. Why is it important to reframe negative thoughts? What happens when the brain is dysregulated? What is going on in the brain when we’re under stress? The root cause of mental illness. What you can do to improve your brain health. The role of trauma in mood disorders. Connect with Cynthia ThurlowFollow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedInCheck out Cynthia’s websiteConnect with Dr. Roseann Capanna-HodgeOn her websiteDr. Roseann’s podcast, It’s Gonna Be OK!Ep. 174 – Identifying and Treating Your Children’s Mental Health: How We Can Be Their Greatest Support with Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge

I am honored to have Dr. Stephanie Estima back on the show today! (She was with me before in 2020, on Episode 123.)Dr. Estima is an exceptionally well-read and well-versed individual! She is an expert on female metabolism and body composition, the author of a fantastic resource called the Betty Body, and the host of an incredible podcast called The Better Podcast. Dr. Estima is one of my favorite voices in the health and wellness space! She and I dive into an Ask Me Anything format today. We speak at length about the ideal percentage of body fat for perimenopause and menopause, thyroid health, the impact of diastasis, and weight training based on that core imbalance. We discuss the Gardasil vaccine, optimal nutrients, Hashimoto’s, period cramps, and general PMS symptoms- particularly with inter-uterine devices. We also get into sleep basics, supplement support, the role of parasympathetic days and hormesis, and talk about load management and optimization. I know you will love today’s conversation with Dr. Stephanie Estima!IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: What is diastasis recti, and how do you treat it? Dr. Estima dives into pelvic floor rehabilitation. The mortality risk versus the benefit of the Gardasil vaccine. What causes low Oestrogen? What happens when you have low estradiol? Why patients often tend to be confused about what they should be doing. Stress management in autoimmune diseases. What hormones can be the most impactful on body fat? How women can overcome insulin resistance. The side effects of the copper IUD. How to support undisturbed sleep.  How to get the best sleep of your cycle in the luteal phase.  How to eat to support the luteal phase. How to optimize your load management.   Connect with Cynthia ThurlowFollow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedInCheck out Cynthia’s websiteConnect with Dr. Stephanie EstimaOn Instagram On her weekly podcast, Better! With Dr. Stephanie, where she explores the human potential, hormones, metabolism, and a life well-lived.Get a copy of Dr. Stephanie Estima’s #1 bestselling book, The Betty Body: A Geeky Goddess' Guide to Intuitive Eating, Balanced Hormones, and Transformative SexEpisode 123 – Menstruation, Muscle, Maternity, & Metabolism: What Every Woman Should Know with Dr. Stephanie Estima

Today, I am honored to connect with Jason Wachob, the co-author of The Joy of Wellbeing! Jason is the Co-CEO of mindbodygreen, the leading independent media brand dedicated to wellbeing, and the host of the mindbodygreen Podcast, on which I recently had the honor of being a guest.In this episode, Jason shares his and his wife, Colleen’s backstory, and their pain-to-purpose mission, and we dive into the role of longevity, epigenetics, joy span, and the impact of the lack of connection and loneliness during the pandemic. We discuss social media algorithms, nutrition concerns over tribalism, bio-individuality, the processed food industry, exercise, and hormesis. We also talk about forever chemicals and toxins and how they impact our health.I loved reading Jason and Colleen’s new book, The Joy of Wellbeing, and I sincerely hope you enjoy listening to my conversation with Jason!IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How Jason and Colleen’s health issues motivated them to create mindbodygreen. How Colleen re-assessed what was important in her life, and where she wanted to be, after being diagnosed with pulmonary embolism. The importance of nutrition and sleep. The power of epigenetics. How the science of longevity has advanced tremendously. How crisis tends to amplify what is already wrong in the world.  The importance of connection.  The importance of incorporating exercise and movement into your day. The role of sarcopenia.  The benefits of intermittent fasting and hormetic stressors. The impact of forever chemicals in the world. Why is it essential to be thoughtful about where you spend your money?  Connect with Cynthia ThurlowFollow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedInCheck out Cynthia’s websiteConnect with Jason Wachob Websites: mindbodygreen and The Joy of Wellbeing  The mindbodygreen Podcast Jason and mindbodygreen on Instagram Jason and mindbodygreen on Twitter Additional social handles: @mindbodygreen BookThe Joy of Well-Being: A Practical Guide to a Happy, Healthy, and Long Life